BANNON LECTURE – Wednesday, 9:00-10:30am

The Future of Leisure Studies

• Bob Barcelona - Clemson University

• Čedomir Stanojeviċ - Indiana University

• Callie Schultz - Western Carolina University

Description: Over the past two decades, recreation, park and tourism-related academic programs have faced unprecedented challenges. Several programs have been closed. Some programs have changed the names of their program, while others have completely shifted their focus to align with the future directions of their institutions. Meanwhile, other programs have found new and innovative ways to thrive in this climate. This session will bring together program leaders from a range of institutions to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our field as we continue to communicate our relevance to the larger academic community.

PLENARY SESSION – Thursday, 3:00-4:00pm

Public Facing Scholarship

• Cindy Hartman - University of New Hampshire

• Eric Legg - Arizona State University

• Garrett Warfield - National Recreation & Park Association

• Kelly Bricker - Arizona State University

Description: As a continuation of the 2025 Conference, this plenary will highlight the opportunities and challenges associated with communicating our research to the public. Oftentimes, the dissemination of our studies is limited to academic outlets (e.g., conferences, publications, and white papers). Considering the applied nature of our field, this session will allow us to pause and consider ways in which the reach of our work can be amplified by communicating with those who are most impacted by our research. Examples of colleagues engaged in public facing scholarship will be presented along with a thoughtful discussion featuring faculty and administrators investigating the balance between identifying innovative methods for making our scholarship accessible by the public while meeting the expectations of one’s academic institution.

CLOSING PLENARY SESSION – Friday, 8:00-9:00am

The Future of the Academy

• Corliss Outley - Clemson University

• Nicole Webster - The Pennsylvania State University

• Rasul Mowatt - North Carolina State University

Description: The academy is facing unprecedented times. Federal funding is being halted for scholarship focused on equity, faculty are losing their positions for making political statements in the domains of their personal lives, and other faculty are facing scrutiny for teaching scientific principles that are frowned upon by elected officials. This leaves many facing uncertainty as we wrestle with the notions of freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the future of our research and teaching. This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities faculty, and graduate students face as they navigate this new academic climate.